Points of attention when accompanying residents in a wheelchair

9 January 2026

Many corporate volunteers encounter people in a wheelchair during their activity. How do you push someone who is in a wheelchair? How do you ensure a safe and enjoyable walk? For the other person and for yourself? Here are tips for walking with someone in a wheelchair.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Communication:

  • Always approach the resident from the front (look at and address them);
  • Communicate with the other person. ​​Give a signal if you encounter an obstacle, such as a threshold. ​​Say what you are going to do. Ask and consult;
  • Let the other person do as much as possible and do not take everything out of their hands unsolicited. ​​No matter how well you mean it;
  • Does he / she see you coming? ​​Greet, talk, then touch the resident or do something with the wheelchair (e.g. driving). ​​Look for eye contact or ask for attention, otherwise the resident may be startled;
  • When you talk, try to get your face at the same height, for example by going through your knees or grabbing a chair;
  • Avoid using the word ‘we’ unnecessarily. ​​Instead of: ‘we are going to stand for a moment’, ask ‘would you like to stand up?’;
  • People who talk softly often hear well (ask them);
  • If you are with several companions, try not to talk over the residents’ heads, but involve them in the conversation;
  • If you are in a shop or restaurant with a resident, let the resident choose if possible;
  • You may be accompanying someone with a faltering memory, ​here you can find tips on dealing with dementia.

On the road:

  • Can you adjust the push handles? ​​Adjust these to the pushing height of your arms. ​​The higher, the more comfortable you push because you walk more upright;
  • Fold back the footrests and place your feet on them. ​​The feet should never touch the ground while driving;
  • Check that nothing can get between the spokes, for example clothing;
  • Do not walk too fast, especially with people who have trouble processing a lot of impressions;
  • Choose routes with the smoothest possible surface. ​​Avoid gravel and sand paths;
  • Go backwards down curbs and steps so that the occupant cannot fall out of the wheelchair. ​​Place the wheelchair directly in front of a threshold or curb and press your foot on one of the supports at the back of the wheelchair. ​​Let the front wheels come up slightly. ​​Push the rear wheels forward until you can let the front wheels come back to the ground over the threshold and drive over the threshold;
  • At curbs, turn the wheelchair around and place it right in front of the curb. ​​Step off the curb yourself and then gently lower the rear wheels off the curb. ​​And keep pulling back until the front wheels touch the ground.
    Then turn the wheelchair back in the direction of travel;
  • Apply the wheelchair brake when you are stationary;
  • Avoid lashing the occupant and/or wheelchair;
  • If a resident wants to get up from the wheelchair, check that it is on the brake.

With a dose of vitamin A from Attention, you can conjure up a smile and also improve health.

Many residents of care facilities receive few visits from family or friends. And because they are less mobile, it is physically (or mentally) difficult to go out on their own. Social isolation is lurking. With a dose of vitamin A of Attention, you can conjure up a smile and it also improves health. Not only is it healthy for the residents, but volunteering is also good for your vitality. Your contribution (vitamin A of attention) is of great value. Moreover, it is also really fun. Have fun together!

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